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Ken Gordon, a 26 year old personnel recruiter, works in a large mid-western city and his three best friends are scattered across both coasts. But, thanks to the rapidly maturing Tele-Restaurant industry, never being in the same place doesn’t stop them from having dinner together at least once a week.

“It’s different, for sure. I mean there's no food, just a bunch of pixels that look like food. But I like it better sometime,” he said. He and his 3 friends book reservations through Table 4-4 4U, a leading online restaurant portal. When it’s time to “eat” their online maître d’ calls or texts each of them to let them know their “table is ready.” Then all 4, wherever they are, gather around their own screen for a unique culinary experience.

“We’re very proud of the work we’re doing. Someone working in Florida can still share that unique Brooklyn gastro-pub experience with family in Seatlle,” said Chet Brewer, founder of Table 4-4 4U.

Screen shot of a table for four from Table 4-4 4U

You can choose everything between a high-end Michelin star-rated 9-course tasting menu and a fast food buffet where you and your dinner companions can share the fun of going through the line together.

It should be no surprise to learn there is a huge demand for Tele-Restaurant reservations. Gloria Juarez, spokesperson for the American Tele-Restaurant Association, reported 700% growth in the first year,

“Of course,” she said, “a Tele-Restaurant is not the best choice if you are actually hungry and need to eat something.” But that is not stopping large numbers of talented chefs from opening an online location. As online chef Jeff Whisk said, “Eating actual food is only a small part of the restaurant experience. We can give you the rest.”

And there is no arguing with success. “It was like, omg, we really loved the meal. It was the best ever” said Ashley Jones, a 34 year old attorney who travels frequently but continues to develop her love of shared high-end dining with law school friends scattered across the country. And she added, “it helps us lose weight too … talk about win-win!”